If you’re a prospective or current PhD student aiming for top-tier funding in Canada, big changes are happening. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program, long one of the crown jewels of doctoral funding has been discontinued for new applicants, and replaced by a harmonized program called Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D).
Many expected (or hoped) that “up to $50,000/year” would carry over but, as the details unfold, the funding, eligibility, and structure are different. In this post, I’ll walk through what CGRS-D is, how it compares to Vanier and the old tri-agency doctoral scholarships, the key eligibility changes, how much money you can expect, and what all this means in practical terms.
What Was Vanier, and Why the Change?
Before diving into CGRS-D, it helps to understand what Vanier was, and what motivated the shift.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) provided $50,000 per year for up to three years to doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
- It was highly prestigious and competitive, and there were specific quotas for how many students each institution could nominate.
- The announcement in 2024-2025 indicated that Vanier was being “sunsetted” or discontinued for new applicants, as part of a broader harmonization of Canadian federal funding for graduate and postdoctoral trainees. (ihpme.utoronto.ca)
So the change isn’t just cosmetic: it’s part of a redesign intended to streamline several programs, standardize funding, and broaden access (including for international students) under the umbrella of unified “Tri-Agency” competition (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). (University of Alberta)
What is CGRS-D?
CGRS-D is the new Doctoral scholarship program under the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). Here are the essential outlines:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who administers it | The three federal research granting agencies: CIHR (health), NSERC (natural sciences & engineering), SSHRC (social sciences & humanities). (University of Waterloo) |
| Purpose | To support high-quality research training, promote research excellence, help scholars concentrate on their doctoral work and contribute to Canadian research. (School of Graduate Studies) |
| Value | CAD $40,000 per year for three years (36 months total). (University of Alberta) |
| Compared to Vanier | Vanier was $50,000/year. So the new CGRS-D is lower in dollar amount than Vanier, but the program has broader eligibility and tries to be more standardized. (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) |
| Eligibility time window | Applicants must not have completed more than 36 months of full-time equivalent doctoral studies by December 31 of the application year. This extends the time window compared to some older rules. (York University) |
| International students | New: up to 15% of all CGRS-D awards are reserved for international applicants. International applicants must be enrolled in an eligible Canadian doctoral program at the time of application. (Faculty of Graduate Studies) |
| Holding the award abroad | Up to 20% of awards may be held outside Canada, but there are restrictions (especially for non-Canadians). (Faculty of Graduate Studies) |
Key Differences: Vanier vs CGRS-D and What Has Changed
Here are the most important differences, side by side. Understanding these helps determine whether CGRS-D meets your goals.
| Aspect | Vanier CGS | CGRS-D |
|---|---|---|
| Annual value | $50,000/year for 3 years (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) | $40,000/year for 3 years (University of Alberta) |
| Eligibility window (how many months into PhD you are allowed to apply) | Vanier required much stricter criteria (e.g. not more than ~20 months for most, ~32 in joint programs or direct entry) by certain cut-off dates. (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships) | CGRS-D allows up to 36 months full-time equivalent study by end of calendar year of application. (York University) |
| Citizenship / nationality eligibility | Vanier allowed Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students (but international students had narrower or more restrictive terms) (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships) | CGRS-D explicitly reserves up to 15% of awards for international students; must be enrolled in a PhD at a Canadian institution. (nserc-crsng.gc.ca) |
| Quotas and internal nominations | Institution nomination quotas (Vanier quotas per university) | Institutional quotas remain; but more uniform across agencies under harmonization. Also, new rules like maximum number of applications per person (three applications total) are introduced. (School of Graduate Studies) |
| Prestige / recognition | Vanier had a very strong prestige legacy, often seen as a top award in Canada for PhD funding. | CGRS-D is newer; while well supported and significant, it is still building that same reputation. But the shift is official and long term. |
Why “Up to $50,000/Year” is a Misnomer Now
Because Vanier’s $50,000/year awarded that amount; but the new CGRS-D offers $40,000/year, so for many applicants “up to $50,000/year” no longer applies for new awards. There might still be Vanier awards running or being paid out for those who already won them before discontinuation, but new applicants should not expect $50,000/year from CGRS-D. (School of Graduate Studies)
Who is Eligible: Key Criteria & What’s New
If you’re considering applying for CGRS-D, here are eligibility highlights and what’s changed:
- Time in program: You must not have exceeded 36 months full-time equivalent doctoral study by December 31 of the application year. This includes summer months, joint programs, etc. Part-time study amounts are converted to full-time equivalent. (School of Graduate Studies)
- Enrolled status: You must be enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) program at a Canadian eligible institution at the time you apply. For international students, this is new. (nserc-crsng.gc.ca)
- Citizenship / nationality: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and international students (up to 15% quota) are eligible. For international applicants, being enrolled in the program in Canada is required. (nserc-crsng.gc.ca)
- Not holding a similar scholarship already: Usually you shouldn’t have already received a doctoral-level tri-agency scholarship (or maybe a Vanier, etc.), depending on the previous programs. (School of Graduate Studies)
- Number of applications limit: New: individuals are limited to a certain number of applications (e.g. 3 in total) under the CGRS-D competition. (School of Graduate Studies)
What the Money Is, and How “Generous” It Is Practically
Coming from Vanier’s $50,000/year, some people expected CGRS-D to match or approach that. But here’s what you actually get, and what that tends to cover.
- Amount: $40,000/year for three years. (University of Alberta)
- Duration: 36 months (full three years). (University of Alberta)
- What that usually covers: PhD stipends (living expenses), allowing you to focus more fully on research. Often universities or supervisors may “top up” or supplement to help with tuition, living costs, or additional expenses, especially in high cost-of-living cities. But these top-ups, if offered, vary greatly between institutions.
So while $40,000 is strong in many parts of Canada, depending on where you live the cost of housing, transportation, insurance, etc., may still consume a large chunk of your budget. If you were expecting $50,000 (as under Vanier), you’ll need to factor the gap.
What This Means for Applicants (Prospective & Current PhD Students)
Prospective PhD Students (incoming)
- If you’re applying for a PhD starting Fall 2025 or later, Vanier is off the table for new applicants; you’ll be aiming for CGRS-D (or other awards). (School of Graduate Studies)
- Your application package matters more than ever: with more strict eligibility windows, and competition across more applicants (because programs are harmonized), excellence in research proposal, past achievements, leadership, etc., will count heavily.
- International students now have a clearer pathway: with up to 15% of awards reserved for them, assuming eligibility (program enrollment, etc.). If you’re from abroad, ensure you satisfy those criteria well in advance.
Current PhD Students
- If you already hold Vanier or equivalent tri-agency doctoral scholarships, your award may continue under its existing terms. But new awards or renewals for new applicants will follow CGRS-D.
- Keep track of how many months in full-time equivalent you will have completed by deadline cut-offs: if you exceed the 36-month window, you could lose eligibility.
- Also watch your institution’s internal deadlines and nomination quotas: even under CGRS-D, your university must select among applicants.
Is “Up to $50,000/Year” Still Possible?
Given the changes, let’s clarify:
- New scholarships under CGRS-D are not offering $50,000/year. The value is $40,000/year. (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
- The $50,000/year is specific to Vanier, which is being phased out for new applicants. Existing Vanier awardees may still receive payments under the old terms. (ihpme.utoronto.ca)
- Thus, unless there is a special institutional top-up or supplemental funding (not guaranteed), plan based on the $40,000/year figure.
Advantages & Trade-Offs
Every change has pros and cons. Here are what I see as the main ones:
Advantages
- More uniformity and predictability: with one harmonized program (CGRS-D), applicants know what criteria apply, regardless of disciplinary or agency boundaries.
- Broader eligibility for international students and somewhat more flexible time window.
- More awards overall (some institutions report increased number of positions under CGRS-D). (Faculty of Graduate Studies)
- Simpler application architecture in some respects (one program instead of multiple overlapping ones).
Trade-Offs / Challenges
- Lower maximum stipend for top awardees compared to Vanier (i.e. $40k instead of $50k/year). For some, that means tighter budgets.
- Increased competition because the harmonized program attracts more applicants, possibly including international students.
- Institutional quotas are still in place, which means even if you meet eligibility, your university may be limited in how many applicants it can forward.
What Applicants Should Do: Practical Tips
- Check your eligibility early
Make sure you will not exceed the full-time equivalent month limit (36 months) by end of the application year. If you’re coming from a joint professional/PhD program, only the PhD portion counts. - Ensure enrollment status
If you are international, you must be enrolled in a PhD program at a Canadian eligible institution at the time of application. If you’re deferring or waiting to start, clarify when your registration begins. - Gather evidence of research potential
With CGRS-D, selection criteria often split between Research ability/potential and Relevant experience/achievements beyond academia. So your proposal, publications (if any), research projects, leadership, community engagement, etc., all matter. - Watch institutional deadlines
Each university has its own internal deadline (nomination process) even though the granting agencies have their own deadlines. Missing the internal step often disqualifies you. - Consider possible top-ups or additional funding
Even though the scholarship gives $40,000/year, some universities or supervisors may provide supplemental funding (to cover tuition, health insurance, higher cost of living). Explore those. - Plan for budget, cost of living
Know your living expenses in the city or town where you will study. Costs of housing, travel, visa, health insurance, etc., vary widely across Canada. Build a realistic budget.
Implications for Funding Strategy & Research Ecosystem
Beyond individual applicants, these changes reflect broader shifts in Canada’s funding strategy:
- More equity and access: opening up to more international students, more standardization, more clear eligibility windows.
- More simplicity: consolidating multiple scholarship/fellowship programs under harmonized rules reduces confusion.
- Potential concerns around cost pressures: as stipend amounts are “only” $40,000 now, this may put pressure on universities or supervisors to provide additional support, especially in expensive urban areas.
Conclusion
The move from Vanier to CGRS-D marks a significant shift in Canadian doctoral funding. While many will feel the loss of Vanier’s $50,000/year prestige and dollars, CGRS-D brings more consistency, broader eligibility (especially for international students), and a clearer framework.
If you’re applying, plan based on $40,000/year for three years, make sure you satisfy all eligibility criteria (including the months-in-program limit), and be ready to build a strong research proposal. For many, CGRS-D still represents a chance for excellent support but the expectations and competition remain high.